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Paul Weller and Mini set up charity auction for War Child and Nordoff Robbins

Story by Jack Foley

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PAUL Weller has joined forced with iconic car brand Mini to create an exclusive charity auction for a car that will benefit the Nordoff Robbins and War Child charities.

The star combination have collaborated to design an exclusive and unique car to raise money for the two charities, which are very close to Weller’s heart.

Weller explains: “I’ve always loved and driven Minis so when Mini asked me to be their ambassador last year, it felt a natural thing to do. I was given the opportunity to design my own Mini Cooper and the colours on the car were inspired by a shirt I designed for Ben Sherman that I loved a few years back.

“Now that the car has been manufactured, I thought it would be good to give it to two charities that I support to help them raise some much needed funds.

“War Child is an amazing charity which works tirelessly to provide protection for kids who live in some of the world’s most dangerous places – Iraq, Afghanistan, Uganda and DRC.

“Nordoff Robbins is the charity that really uses music to transform the lives of kids and adults who are ill or disabled, helping them to engage and communicate with others. They’re endlessly fundraising to help and support these vulnerable people.”

Weller and Mini are an ideal match because both are so synonymous with the quintessential British mod lifestyle. In addition, the Mini brand has always enjoyed strong music and fashion connotations since its launch in the late 50’s.

Paul Weller has always been an avid Mini fan and has collected numerous models throughout the years. As part of Minis 50th Anniversary celebrations in 2009, Mini fans drove from all over the world to attend a party at Silverstone at which Weller was the headline act.

He was then given a Mini Cooper which he designed the exterior of, working closely with the designers and completing the car this spring.

This Mini Cooper is the best selling model in the range and would usually retail at £14,000. It has a 1.6 petrol engine and goes from 0-62 mph in 9.1 seconds, with a top speed of 127 mph.